News Archive

Earlier this year, the teachers at Summit Intermediate read the book “50 Strategies to Boost Cognitive Engagement” as part of an effort to revamp building-wide professional development. They met three times to discuss the book, share ideas, and reflect on what they learned. Each teacher then selected a favorite strategy and partnered with colleagues to present on that during the school's Lead and Learn day. The goal of the experience was to encourage teachers to learn from one another while continuing to grow professionally.

Nixa High School students in Advanced Journalism and College Composition classes had the opportunity to work with the Give 5 organization, organized by the United Way, to learn about local non-profits and their missions. They met with the Child Advocacy Center, the Drew Lewis Foundation, Women’s Medical Respite, and the Nixa Education Foundation. The students eventually settled on working with NEF, where they created a video and a brochure highlighting the work they do inside our schools.

Two years ago, the second grade class at JTSD worked on building a pollinator wall to support birds, bees, and butterflies. This year, those same students-now fourth graders-returned alongside current second graders to update the wall and the garden, preparing them for the warm summer months. The project culminated with a ribbon-cutting celebrating the school’s national recognition from the National Wildlife Federation for creating a school-wide habitat.

The four science teachers at Nixa Junior High challenged their 7th-grade honors students to take on a big ask: develop and present a science project for the school community during an evening showcase. Students prepared throughout the first semester, collaborating on a group project to build their confidence. Their strong performance in front of family and friends convinced the teachers to move forward with plans to make this an annual event.

Viewer discretion advised: Some viewers may find the following images disturbing. 

Our high school juniors had the opportunity to see firsthand the devastating effects of a fatal car crash. Working with local first responders, a handful of Nixa theatre students portrayed what happens after two cars crash head-on. The teen driver is arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. One student dies on the scene, another student is life-flighted, while the rest of the students are left trying to make sense of what just happened. 

Thank you to the Nixa Police Department, Nixa Fire Protection District, Christian County Ambulance District, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Christian County Coroner, Mercy Trauma Services, Cox Aircare, Cox Trauma Services, Henry’s Towing, Nixa High School Staff, Nixa School Police, and Adams Funeral Home for your help in making this event possible.

Teaching young minds how to write a story takes patience and planning. The kindergarten teachers changed their approach this year to help their students ease into the process. Although the pace was slower than normal, the results were clear as students became more prepared and more confident in their writing.

The Early Childhood Center held a sensory night to provide parents and students with a fun, screen-free evening of hands-on activities. It was also a great time for parents to connect with one another and engage with staff in a relaxed, low-stress environment.